Equine cerebellar abiotrophy is a debilitating neurologic disorder that affects Arabian horses almost exclusively, and for which there is no treatment or cure. But, thanks to the work of veterinary researchers, breeders now have access to a new DNA test that could help them detect carriers of the condition so they do not propagate the problem in their herds.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that plays an important role in the integration of sensory perception, coordination, and motor control. Equine cerebellar abiotrophy kills neurons in the cerebellum, causing head tremors and a lack of balance. Unfortunately, there is no treatment. Affected horses are routinely euthanized before adulthood because of the risk they pose to themselves and others.

Cecilia Penedo, PhD, a geneticist at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, said cerebellar abiotrophy is passed on 25% of the time when both parents are carriers of the gene.

"We really don’t know what causes the variation, but it occurs," Penedo said